Geometric Quantization on Manifolds

Abstract

Geometric quantization is a type of quantization, which is a general term for a procedure that associates a quantum system with a given classical system. In practical terms, if one is trying to deduce what sort of quantum system should model a given physical phenomenon, one often begins by observing the classical limit of the system. Electromagnetic radiation, for example, is describable on a macroscopic scale by Maxwell’s equations. On a finer scale, quantum effects (photons) become important. How should one determine the correct quantum theory of electromagnetism? It seems that the only reasonable way to proceed is to “quantize” Maxwell’s equations—and then to compare the resulting quantum system to experiment.